-
Step 1
Notice how often the person seemingly lies. Compulsive liars lie on a regular and ongoing basis; it is a habit in which they participate almost all the time.
-
Step 2
Consider the apparent ease with which a person tells a lie. If they appear uncomfortable or nervous, then chances are that they are not a compulsive liar. Lying comes naturally to a compulsive liar, who looks and feels more comfortable lying than telling the truth.
-
Step 3
Focus on the types of things that the person lies about. A compulsive liar often lies about anything and everything, even small, seemingly insignificant things.
-
Step 4
Evaluate the motivation behind the person's lying. If the person seems to lie simply when it is beneficial for them or when it gets them out of an awkward situation, they are probably not a compulsive liar. Someone who is a compulsive liar generally lies because doing so is a habit and not because they are trying to manipulate others.
-
Step 5
Think about the person's personality characteristics to determine whether they fit the stereotype of a compulsive liar. Often, compulsive liars begin this habit to get attention from others or to make themselves appear better in some way, so a compulsive liar may have issues with poor self-esteem.
-
Step 6
Examine whether a potential compulsive liar recognizes their behavior. Because lying is such an ingrained habit for a compulsive liar, they may not even recognize that they are doing it, or they may deny the behavior.
-
Step 7
Look at the person's ability to remain consistent in what they say. A compulsive liar may have a difficult time keeping their stories straight since they have injected so many lies into what they have told other people.
Comments
koshie said
on 9/30/2009 I have a daughter, she tells these lies and we bring it to her attention that we know, she doesn't pay her bills and thinks she can get away with it or just leave them and leave them. She is at home with us and that is the only way she is starting to grow and get more condfidence. She is attending a Pshycologist where she works. She thinks she has to be the loudest to attraction and be noticed. She tells lies to make her look the biggest and the best. We have spoken about this a few times and nothing seems to be taken on board. She is a grown adult now and our other children pay their bills and tell the truth she was raised the same as the others but we are at our wits end. We have saved her a few times now and have made it clear we are not doing that anymore. We can see she has grown, doesn't run away the minute we say something. We feel we are being used to a degree and she is...
MyJB said
on 2/22/2009 Good article. 5*
tennisace said
on 2/4/2009 My brother has been lying his entire life (even as a child). He is the youngest (of four boys) and has been pampered all of his life. Now 50 years old I am ashamed of his behavior because he continues to act like a child and still lies constantly. He hates when I call him Peter Pan (he will never grow up. He like a Toy's R' US kid). He is also an attention junkie. He thrives for attention every way he can. He finds it so important to talk to everybody. No matter who they are(I fear he may approach someone that may not be to receptive to him and hurt him real bad or call him outside of his name) Strangers, etc. I deal with him because he is my brother, but I don't like being around him. It is embarrassing to be in his presence. His lies seem to come natural to him because that all he knows to do. And yes, his self-esteem has a lot to do with it. Because he has a low self esteem. But he se
bwkitty said
on 7/26/2008 I agree this is a VERY real problem that needs to be addressed Now. My sister is 64 and a complusive liar and has been her entire life. She even denied being pregnant as her water broke while in a wheel chair on her way to the labor room. I grew up with this my whole life and I'm trying to get her to get help - she has aleinated everyone around her. But I don't know how to help her. BJ
xxxx said
on 7/24/2008 z4.invisionfree.com/liarslair
...a forum for people who just can't stop lying. awareness needs to be spread. this is a legitimate issue. if you have a problem with lying, join the site. post. help create a community that understands for those who aren't often understood. compulsive lying IS a very real mountain to climb.
z4.invisionfree.com/liarslair